If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner that tastes like something you’d order at your favorite restaurant, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta is just what you need! Juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp are tossed in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce and served over tender angel hair pasta.
The best part? This delicious meal comes together in about 15 minutes using simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
- Quick and easy: Ready in approximately 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Restaurant-quality flavor: A rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce makes this dish taste like something you’d order at a restaurant.
- Simple ingredients: Made with shrimp, heavy cream, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a few pantry staples.
- Perfectly seasoned shrimp: Old Bay seasoning adds a delicious savory flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
- Easy to customize: Add vegetables, adjust the seasonings, or substitute your favorite pasta.
- Great for any occasion: Fancy enough for date night but simple enough for an everyday family dinner
Watch How To Make This Recipe
Watch how I make this step-by-step in the video above.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long list of ingredients to create a delicious shrimp pasta dinner. Here’s everything you’ll need.
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- Approximately 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning, or to taste
- A drizzle of cooking oil, enough to lightly coat the shrimp
- 1½ teaspoons unsalted butter, for sautéing
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (approximately 3–4 cloves)
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Pasta
- 1 lb angel hair pasta
- Salt, for the pasta water
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Making this creamy shrimp pasta is incredibly simple! Follow these easy steps for tender, flavorful shrimp coated in a delicious homemade Parmesan cream sauce.
Step 1: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, generously salt the water.
Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the shrimp and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
For the best results, reserve a little pasta water before draining in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Shrimp
Rinse the peeled and deveined shrimp under cold running water, if desired, and pat them thoroughly dry using paper towels.
Place the shrimp into a large mixing bowl and drizzle with enough cooking oil to lightly coat them.
Sprinkle approximately 2 tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning over the shrimp, adjusting the amount to your taste.
Toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Tip: Patting the shrimp dry is important because excess moisture can cause them to steam instead of developing a flavorful sear.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 45 seconds, stirring frequently until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer.
Cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink, become opaque, and are cooked through.
Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and transfer them to a clean plate. Set aside.
Tip: Avoid overcrowding the skillet. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches to help them cook evenly.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter.
Once the butter has melted, slowly pour in the heavy whipping cream, stirring to combine it with the garlic and flavorful bits left behind from cooking the shrimp.
Season the cream with black pepper and salt to taste.
Stir well and allow the mixture to warm through.
Next, gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese begins to melt into the cream.
Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to gently simmer until it thickens slightly.
Stir occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Tip: Avoid boiling the sauce over high heat after adding the Parmesan cheese. Gentle heat helps prevent the cheese from clumping and the sauce from separating.
Step 5: Return the Shrimp to the Sauce
Once the garlic Parmesan sauce has thickened to your liking, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
Gently stir to coat the shrimp in the creamy sauce.
Allow everything to warm together briefly, being careful not to overcook the shrimp.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a beautiful finishing touch and an extra pop of fresh flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Place a generous serving of cooked angel hair pasta onto a plate or into a shallow bowl.
Spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan shrimp and sauce over the pasta, making sure to coat the noodles with plenty of that delicious sauce.
Garnish with additional fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and creamy.
Enjoy your homemade restaurant-quality shrimp pasta!
A Family Favorite
One of my favorite parts of cooking is seeing my family excited about what’s on the menu! Just look at those happy faces waiting to dig into this creamy garlic Parmesan shrimp pasta. Moments like these make homemade meals even more special.
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
A few simple techniques can make a big difference when preparing this dish.
1. Don’t overcook the shrimp.
Shrimp cook quickly! Depending on their size, approximately 2 minutes per side is usually enough. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough.
2. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Freshly grated Parmesan generally melts more smoothly into cream sauces than pre-shredded cheese, which may contain anti-caking ingredients.
3. Keep the heat low when making the sauce.
Once you add the Parmesan cheese, lower the heat and stir gently. This helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.
4. Season carefully.
Old Bay seasoning and Parmesan cheese both contribute saltiness to this dish. Taste the sauce before adding additional salt.
5. Don’t let the pasta overcook.
Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly. Keep an eye on it and cook just until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy.
6. Adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a small amount of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Serve immediately.
Cream-based pasta dishes taste best when freshly prepared. The sauce naturally thickens as it cools.
Easy Variations and Additions
One of the best things about this creamy garlic Parmesan shrimp pasta is how easily you can customize it.
Add spinach: Stir a handful of fresh baby spinach into the sauce and allow it to wilt before adding the shrimp.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning for a little extra heat.
Try a different pasta: Fettuccine, linguine, spaghetti, or penne are all delicious alternatives to angel hair.
Add broccoli: Toss in steamed broccoli for a little color, texture, and extra vegetables.
Give it a fresh finish: Add a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the rich, creamy sauce.
What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
This creamy shrimp pasta is delicious on its own, but you can easily turn it into a complete meal with a few simple sides.
- Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Garden salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted asparagus: A simple vegetable side that pairs beautifully with shrimp.
- Steamed broccoli: Adds color and freshness to the plate.
- Green beans: A delicious, easy side dish that complements the garlic Parmesan flavors.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerating
Allow any leftover shrimp pasta to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate promptly and store for up to 3 days.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat the shrimp pasta gently in a skillet over low heat.
Add a splash of milk, cream, or water to loosen the sauce as it warms.
Stir occasionally until everything is heated through.
Avoid cooking over high heat, which can cause the sauce to separate and the shrimp to become tough.
Can You Freeze Creamy Shrimp Pasta?
Freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe.
Cream-based sauces can separate and become grainy after thawing, and the shrimp may lose their tender texture.
For the best flavor and consistency, enjoy this dish freshly prepared or refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work well for this dish. Just make sure they are completely thawed, peeled, deveined, and thoroughly patted dry before seasoning and cooking.
Can I use shrimp with the tails removed?
Yes! Although I used tail-on shrimp, you can certainly remove the tails before cooking for easier eating.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy whipping cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Heavy whipping cream gives this recipe its signature creamy consistency.
Why isn’t my garlic Parmesan sauce thickening?
The sauce may need a little more time over gentle heat. Allow it to simmer briefly while stirring occasionally.
Keep in mind that the sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but I recommend cooking the shrimp and sauce just before serving.
This helps keep the shrimp tender and the sauce smooth and creamy.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add salt to the boiling water, followed by the angel hair pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. Reserve a small amount of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
- Prepare and Season the Shrimp
- Rinse the peeled and deveined shrimp under cold water, if desired, and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels. Transfer the shrimp to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with enough cooking oil to lightly coat, then sprinkle approximately 1½ tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning over the shrimp. Toss well until evenly coated.
- Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 45 seconds, stirring frequently until fragrant. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and allow it to melt. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and stir well to combine. Season with black pepper and salt to taste. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until incorporated.
- Simmer the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the Parmesan cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly. Avoid boiling the sauce, as high heat can cause it to separate.
- Return the Shrimp to the Skillet
- Transfer the cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the garlic Parmesan sauce. Gently stir until the shrimp are evenly coated. Allow everything to warm together briefly without overcooking the shrimp.
- Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp and sauce. Serve immediately over the cooked angel hair pasta, spooning additional creamy garlic Parmesan sauce over the top. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
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